Post Listing Update: This Z1300 did not meet reserve with just one bid up to $5,000. The ‘fuel crisis’ of 1973 put an end to the rapidly developing horsepower wars from motorcycle manufacturers. Everybody went to lighter, more efficient bikes that got better gas mileage with less emissions. It was the beginning of the end for the two stroke road …
2005 BMW 1150RT-P Police
Have problems with traffic, but don’t live in California and enjoy the advantages of lane-splitting? Here’s your answer. BMW has provided motorcycles for many state and local police units, and the R1150RT-P was a model purpose-built for Police use. The basic bike was a stock 1150RT, but it had several optional modifications to safety equipment (crash bars), storage(radio topbox), and …
The Legend Begins – 1975 Honda Goldwing
In late 1974 there was a huge buzz around Honda. Everybody speculated that Honda would bring out an update to the uber successful CB 750 that had stood the market on it’s ear 6 years earlier. Kawasaki had the Z1 out and selling like crazy and everybody KNEW that Honda needed to up their game. Everybody was right of course, …
Texas Police – 2009 Honda ST1300PA
Post Listing Update: No one wanted this police Honda at the opening bid of $8,500. Nearly all of the big motorcycle manufacturers have offerings for police departments. Honda uses the ST1300 for their model, which they call the PA (Police ABS). In addition to the usual lights/sires that you’d expect, the ST1300PA gets a 7.7 gallon fuel tank, adjustable 3 …
1982 Honda CBX
Post Listing Update: This CBX did not meet reserve with 29 bids up to $7,500. When I recently featured a custom CBX, the general consensus was that the stock bike was much more appealing. Well, here’s a lovely stock example from a little bit later – by this point Honda had turned the CBX from a naked sportbike into a …
Hondaline Fairing in Canada – 1982 Honda V45 Sabre
Here’s a first-year example of Honda’s V45 (750cc) Sabre. Within a couple of years, Honda had shrunk the bike down to 700 to circumvent the taxes imposed on 750cc and larger import bikes by the US International Trade Commission. This one stands out due to the impressive original condition and the rare Hondaline fairing.
1959 Norton Dominator Deluxe
11-6-16 Update: Bob K notes that this Deluxe is back up for sale, but which a significant discount. Find it from the same seller here on Craigslist in Issaquah, Washington for $8,995. The Norton Dominator (what a great name) was released in 1949 it was the basis for the next 3 decades of Norton twins. It was conceived to challenge …
Purple Rain Tribute – 1981 Honda
This bike doesn’t run at the moment, but it’s a pretty good find for a Prince fan who wants something two-wheeled in their collection…
Industry First – 1976 Kawasaki KZ900 LTD
By 1976 the Japanese motorcycle industry was in full bloom. Innovations seemed to come out monthly, the race was on to build the fastest production bike for that year, and the UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) was becoming established as a standard in the industry. Kawasaki rolled out the KZ900 LTD as a ‘limited edition’ factory custom with pulled back handlebars, …
1979 Moto Guzzi 1000SP
Post Listing Update: This SP was relisted several times but never met reserve – the last listing got up to $2,750 on eBay. When Moto Guzzi released the SP Spada, they debuted it with a fairing designed in their wind tunnel. I find it to be a bit goofy looking, but it results in excellent weather and wind protection. So …
1974 Norton Commando 850 Interstate
The Commando name actually spans 6 different models: the Roadster, Fastback, Hi-Rider, Production Racer, Interpol, and the Interstate. The Interstate is today’s featured bike, and you can probably guess from the name that it was designed to be a long distance tourer. The 828cc variant was released in 1973, adn the main difference from the base bike was the large …
Ending Soon – 1973 Norton Commando 850 Tourer
Post Sale Update: As Cas V noted in the comments, this Commando sold for just $4,723 after 14 bids on eBay. A former personal mount of Bill Bibbiani (former head of the SoCal Norton Owners Club), this interesting Commando is well modified and setup for road tripping.
1976 Honda CB750F
The Honda CB750 is etched in our DNA as riders. Arguably the most significant motorcycle ever produced. Honda sold millions of them, and there are legions of good examples all over the internet. Why would I even bother to write one up?
Rally Prepped – 2012 Honda ST1300
Starting with a Honda ST1300, the seller of this bike “spared no expense” when he turned it into a bike that would let you be competitive in something like the Iron Butt Rally. There are $15,000 worth of parts on this thing, and it features one of the craziest cockpit views I’ve ever seen.
Double SSSA – 1993 Yamaha GTS1000 Custom
Post Sale Update: This GT custom sold for $2,475 after 13 bids on eBay. Yamaha’s GTS1000 is already a very interesting bike thanks to the James Parker-designed RADD front suspension. But this example is officially the coolest GTS I’ve ever seen, thanks to a rear wheel conversion to the single sided swing arm from a 3rd generation Honda VFR!